Lagos 2027: Gov Sanwo-Olu picks deputy Hamzat as preferred successor for governorship race

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos State, has come out to support his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his anointed replacement for the next gubernatorial race slated for 2027.

The statement was made on Monday after a closed-door session at Lagos House in Marina.

Among those who attended the top-level gathering were notable members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, among whom were individuals like Musiliu Obanikoro and Ganiyu Solomon.

Sanwo-Olu told reporters that the decision was a consensus arrived at by all the parties present during the discussion.

Hamzat, he explained, is ready and qualified to lead the state.

“We just received Mr Deputy, who had come with a very powerful delegation of our leaders in the state to inform us of his intention to contest for the seat of the governorship position of the state

“It was unanimous with all of us to say that Mr Deputy Governor is a man who is fit and well-prepared for this job. He is a man who knows where all the rooms in the house are,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu highlighted Hamzat’s experience and working relationship with him over the past seven years, noting his “integrity, loyalty, commitment, and support” as defining qualities.

“He is a man who has worked with me at the highest level of integrity, loyalty, commitment, support, and so I feel personally honoured and privileged that he has given me this honour to inform me,” he said.

The governor thanked President Bola, who he said is instrumental to the discovery of himself and Hamzat, as well as their working relationship.

“We thank our father, our leader, Mr President, who saw the vision…that long run is what is already being manifested here today,” he added.

While saying Hamzat is ready for leadership, Sanwo-Olu said, “This is a deputy governor that is worth a governor from day one, this is a man that has been built for this job, and we believe that he deserves to be given a chance to go and run this state.”

He further characterised the meeting as a consultative process involving party leaders and government officials, noting that the endorsement followed broad agreement among stakeholders.

“It’s been a very warm family meeting, and at the end of the day, it was unanimous that Mr Deputy Governor is fit, ready, well baked…for this job,” he said.

Central Post Nigeria reports that Sanwo-Olu’s endorsement is seen as a significant move that could shape the political landscape in Lagos, as stakeholders begin to position themselves ahead of the 2027 polls. By backing Hamzat, the governor appears to be signaling continuity in leadership and policy direction.